What is the Origin of Gonadotropins?

The term is derived from the Greek words gonad, meaning seed or generation, and tropos, meaning turning or change, literally defining them as agents that "turn toward the gonads." Their existence was first hypothesized in the early 20th century and they were later isolated and characterized through intensive endocrinology research focused on the pituitary gland's control over the reproductive system. The discovery established the hierarchical and interconnected nature of the HPG axis.

What is the Mechanism of Gonadotropins?

Luteinizing Hormone primarily stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone and the ovarian theca cells to produce androgens, while Follicle-Stimulating Hormone promotes spermatogenesis in males and follicular development in females. Both hormones bind to specific G-protein coupled receptors on their target cells, activating intracellular signaling cascades, such as the cAMP pathway, which ultimately drives steroidogenesis and gametogenesis. This coordinated action ensures the cyclical and sustained function of the reproductive organs.

Gonadotropins ∞ Area ∞ Library 3

Gonadotropins

Meaning

Gonadotropins are a class of glycoprotein hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary gland that act directly on the gonads—the testes in males and the ovaries in females—to regulate reproductive function and the synthesis of sex hormones. The two principal human gonadotropins are Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), both of which are absolutely essential for gamete maturation and the maintenance of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. These hormones are foundational to both reproductive and overall endocrine health throughout the lifespan.

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